SillyTavern
Power-user chat frontend for characters, roleplay and storytelling.
- Stars
- 34.5K
- Forks
- 6.5K
- Open issues
- 663
- Last commit
- 2026-10-02
Live from the GitHub API · updated 2026-10-15
What is SillyTavern?
SillyTavern is a locally installed frontend that connects to local backends (KoboldCpp, Ollama, text-generation-webui) and cloud APIs, with character cards, group chats, world info and extensive prompt control.
Key features
- Character cards and group chats
- World info / lorebooks
- Connects to local and cloud backends
- Extensions (TTS, image generation)
System requirements
- Platforms
- Windows · macOS · Linux
- Notes
- Node.js 18+ and Git.
How to install SillyTavern
Summarized from the project’s README. Projects change quickly — check the GitHub page for the latest instructions.
Git
- 1Clone the release branch and start (http://127.0.0.1:8000).
git clone https://github.com/SillyTavern/SillyTavern -b release cd SillyTavern ./start.sh # Start.bat on Windows
Strengths
- Deepest prompt and character control
- Works with any backend
Limitations
- Overwhelming for casual users
SillyTavern alternatives compared
| Software | Stars | License | Platforms | VRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SillyTavern Power-user chat frontend for characters, roleplay and storytelling. | 34.5K | AGPL-3.0 | — | |
| KoboldCpp Single-file llama.cpp-based runner for GGUF models with a story-writing UI. | 12K | AGPL-3.0 | — | |
| Text Generation WebUI The “AUTOMATIC1111 of text generation” — a Gradio UI for local LLMs. | 47.7K | AGPL-3.0 | — | |
| Open WebUI Self-hosted ChatGPT-style interface for Ollama and OpenAI-compatible APIs. | 155.7K | Open WebUI License (BSD-3-Clause based) | — | |
| LibreChat Open-source ChatGPT clone supporting every major AI provider. | 45.7K | MIT | — | |
| LobeChat Modern AI chat framework with plugins, knowledge base and agent market. | 83.2K | LobeHub Community License | — |
FAQ
Is SillyTavern free?
Yes — SillyTavern is open-source software released under the AGPL-3.0 license. Check the license (and any model weight licenses) before commercial use.
Does SillyTavern run on Windows, Mac and Linux?
SillyTavern supports: Windows, macOS, Linux.
How do I install SillyTavern?
1. Clone the release branch and start (http://127.0.0.1:8000).
What are the best SillyTavern alternatives?
Popular alternatives include KoboldCpp, Text Generation WebUI, Open WebUI, LibreChat. See the comparison table on this page.